How to reduce CO2 – Domestic Electricity

Switch to a Green Electricity Tariff

Switch to a 100% green tariff. Some suppliers are greener than others. There are come complicated issues surrounding the supply of green electricity, with some suppliers kind of cheating.

We obviously can’t recommend one supplier over the others.  But Octopus have agreed to donate £50 to Staverton Parish Council for each house that switches to them.  The money will be held for spending related to tackling climate change locally.  If you want to help, apply to switch to Octopus at https://sceag.octopus.energy. Applying via this link will automatically assign the £50 referral fee to our parish council. Octopus already pay referral fees, so this isn’t adding any cost to you.

It’s really easy to switch – just a quick web form. If you haven’t switched for a year or two, you are likely to be on a higher price, and you should save money as well as going green.

We have looked at the information available from the Energy Saving Trust, a recent Which? report and Friends of the Earth and can advise that the following suppliers really are green, and are pushing forwards renewable generation capacity. Links below if you want to read more about the issues.

  • Good Energy
  • Ecotricity
  • Green Energy
  • Octopus

The first two are considered the best (greenest) but are of course slightly more expensive.

If you need help doing the switchover, just ask for help from South Dartmoor Community Energy.  This is a free impartial service operated by a non-for-profit organisation. Call free on 0800 060 7567 or get in touch via their website.

Further information on the complicated issue of whether green tariffs are really entirely green:

Reduce your usage

Even if you are buying green electricity, it is still very worthwhile to cut your consumption as there isn’t enough renewable capacity to go around. Here are some ideas:

  • For homes with electric heating, check the insulation section on this page for options to improve the thermal efficiency of your home, including info on grants.
  • Change any old incandescent bulbs to LED
  • Ask your energy supplier for a smart meter

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